Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Description and Outcomes

Effective April 16, 2014, this program will no longer be accepting enrollments or reentries. An alternative program may be available/recommended. Check with an Admissions Advisor.

The Bachelor of Science in Political Science program is designed to help you develop an understanding of the interconnected issues and challenges that confront governing bodies and society locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The study of politics and political science is broad and interdisciplinary; therefore, the program focuses on the historical, global, current, and future approaches to political theories and the application of those theories to the creation of political institutions and policy. In addition, the program emphasizes dimensions of politics, governance, the relationships between law and political institutions, economic and political power, and cultural and political identity.

The program's curriculum bridges to other disciplines including economics, law/legal studies, and social science. This melding of perspectives and the connection of disciplines creates a program rich in analysis of how various facets of political, legal, governmental, and economic structures interact. In addition, the program helps you develop skills and understand methods of applying these facets to the study of leadership in the political arena.

The Bachelor of Science in Political Science program is designed to prepare you to be an active and involved citizen in a democratic political system founded on principles of representative government as well as a multitiered system involving the federal, state, and local levels. This program provides you with the tools to participate and compete in the multifaceted political structure within a rapidly developing culture where global lines, institutions, cultures, and economies are blurred. The Bachelor of Science in Political Science program teaches you to think about politics and helps prepare you to be a critical and informed participant in an increasingly complex world.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in legal studies, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Political Science program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

The Structure and Organization of Government: Assess the organization and structure of governmental organizations in the context of legislative and administrative processes.

Leadership and Advocacy: Apply techniques to access the political system in order to effectively advocate for social and political change.

Societal Relationships and Influence: Analyze relationships between law and political institutions, economic and political power, and culture and political identity.

Political Theory and Process: Analyze political, administrative, and policy theories and assess their impact on political processes and policy development.

Ethics: Apply ethical principles to decision making, actions, and interactions within the political process.

Comparative Global Politics: Evaluate the political process, public decision making, and implementation globally.

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the undergraduate School of General Education section of this Catalog.